Chapter 429

Juliette Blackwood spun her tale with dramatic flair, embellishing every detail to paint herself as the victim. Each carefully chosen word dripped with self-preservation.

Eleanor Blackwell's face twisted in fury as she listened. "That Evelyn Carter is truly vile. She's always been malicious. Vanessa and I suffered under her schemes before."

Juliette lowered her lashes, feigning sorrow with a practiced sigh. "But what can I do? She's a Kingsley heiress while I'm nobody. I have no choice but to endure this humiliation."

The words struck a chord with Eleanor. She remembered all too well how Evelyn had humiliated her. Even now, Vanessa remained exiled in Astana, separated from her by continents.

Patting Juliette's hand with false sympathy, Eleanor murmured, "This isn't your fault, darling. Evelyn is simply too cunning."

"Justice may be slow," Eleanor continued, her voice dripping venom, "but we'll witness her downfall soon enough."

Juliette nodded eagerly, linking arms with Eleanor in a show of false affection. To onlookers, they might have appeared as a loving mother-daughter pair.

A sudden hush fell over the crowd as murmurs rippled through the ballroom. "Look who just arrived."

All heads turned toward the entrance where Evelyn Carter made her grand entrance in a breathtaking tangerine gown, Harrison Whitmore's arm securely tucked under hers.

The dazzling pair commanded attention effortlessly. Recognizing them, guests couldn't help but whisper praises.

"Ms. Kingsley is absolutely radiant tonight. Her poise is unmatched."

"Modern women should live for themselves like her. Imagine how suffocating her life must have been married into the Blackwell family. Now that she's free, she's flourishing."

"Did you hear? Kingsley Industries has been thriving under her leadership while Sterling Enterprises keeps reporting losses."

"We should cultivate connections with Ms. Kingsley. Our company might need her favor someday."

Watching Evelyn bask in the spotlight, Eleanor and Juliette exchanged bitter glances. Juliette's eyes burned with jealousy, her gaze sharpening into daggers aimed at Evelyn.

She couldn't stand it.

Why did Evelyn command respect and admiration effortlessly while Juliette became society's laughingstock?

Juliette clenched her fists, determined to reverse their fortunes—to crush Evelyn beneath her heel and make her experience this humiliation tenfold.

"Mrs. Blackwell, see how she's reveling in the attention?" Juliette spat through gritted teeth.

Eleanor scoffed. "Let her enjoy it while she can. Her downfall will be spectacular. We have all the time in the world to watch."

Neither noticed the wealthy socialite eavesdropping nearby until she burst into laughter. "Mrs. Blackwell, could that be jealousy I detect toward your former daughter-in-law?"

Eleanor's face flushed crimson. "Jealous? I'm merely stating facts."

The socialite's smirk widened. Coming from a family far wealthier than the Blackwells, she had no qualms about putting Eleanor in her place.